Severe Winter Weather Impacts Thor 2Q Income

Thor Industries Inc. today (March 6) reported a decrease in net income for its fiscal second quarter, ended Jan. 31, as severe weather impacted production and slowed sales.

Net income from continuing operations in the second quarter totaled $17.2 million, down 9% from $19 million in the prior-year second quarter. Including the discontinued operations of Thor’s bus business, net income for the second quarter was $16.2 million, representing a 19% decrease from $19.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2013.

Second-quarter sales from continuing operations were $635.3 million, down slightly from $636.6 million in the second quarter last year, due in large part to severe winter weather which adversely affected operations during the quarter.

Net income from continuing operations for the six months rose 12% to $53.6 million compared to $47.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013. Including discontinued operations, net income for the six months was $57.3 million, up 13% from $50.9 million in the first six months of the prior year. Sales from continuing operations grew 3% to $1.44 billion from $1.4 billion in the prior year.

“Despite the impact of the severe winter weather on our results in the quarter, we remain optimistic about our markets, our long-term strategic goals and our expectations for a year of continued growth in fiscal 2014,” said Bob Martin, Thor president and CEO. “As we work through our backlog in both towables and motorized we expect to make up for the second-quarter weather delays throughout the remainder of our fiscal year.

“We are making considerable progress in establishing an appropriate footprint to meet the growing demand for our products, including the recently announced addition of another prime production facility to support our motorized growth. Given the success of early retail shows and the strength of our dealer base, our expanded production infrastructure will be helpful as we work to meet peak seasonal demand over the next two quarters.”

Highlights from the second quarter included:

• Towable RV sales were $472.5 million for the second quarter, down 10% from $522.8 million in the prior year period. Towable RV income before tax was $18.9 million, down 21% from $24.1 million in the second quarter last year, primarily as a result of the decrease in sales.

• Motorized RV sales were $162.8 million for the second quarter, up 43% from $113.8 million in the prior year second quarter. Motorized RV income before tax was $11.2 million, up 63% from $6.9 million last year, which was driven primarily by increased sales volumes.

• Consolidated backlog on Jan. 31 was $845.2 million, up 37% from $616.6 million at the end of the second quarter last year. Towable RV backlog increased 34% to $501.9 million, compared to $375.4 million at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Motorized RV backlog increased 42% to $343.3 million from $241.2 million a year earlier.

“Although second quarter sales were somewhat lower than a year ago, Thor’s gross margins expanded during the quarter even in the face of the disruption associated with the harsh winter weather, reflecting our ongoing efforts to improve profitability,” said Peter B. Orthwein, Thor executive chairman. ”We remain committed to driving our top-line growth while balancing the need to control costs and improve operating efficiency as keys to our success. With strong demographics supporting growth in our markets, innovative new products to meet consumer demand, enhanced infrastructure to drive production and a robust dealer base, we are optimistic about our prospects for the remainder of the fiscal year.”